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Red squirrels are in serious trouble. The latest estimated population is just 140,000 , of which 75% or more are in Scotland. According to Red Squirrels Northern England populations here in the north of England are still dismally low. The main problems are disease, specifically squirrel pox, the loss and fragmentation of their woodland habitat, and competition from the more robust grey squirrel.
Another refuge is at Anglesey where conservationists have concentrated on controlling the red squirrel’s biggest competitors; greys. The Red Squirrels Trust Wales has successfully helped this population grow by its policy to eradicate grey squirrels. Grey squirrels that dare to cross the bridge off the mainland are relentlessly trapped. The island has now become such a safe haven for the reds. so much so that recently these indigenous species have begun crossing onto mainland Wales where the population is slowly growing.
Here in Yorkshire, red squirrels are tragically sparse. However, there is a thriving colony at Snaizeholme in the Dales. Click here to read my blog post about watching them there and see the photographs I took. I visited the colony whilst the snow was still on the ground and was particularly captivated by one squirrel in the colony. It had a slightly kinked tail and was very cheeky!
Watching red squirrels is so engaging. It would be tragic if we lost these fun creatures. I hope you have enjoyed my paintings!
https://www.robertefuller.com/where-to-see-red-squirrels-in-yorkshire-and-why-they-are-worth-looking-for/
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THE ROBERT FULLER GALLERY
FOTHERDALE FARM
THIXENDALE, MALTON
YO17 9LS
UNITED KINGDOM
TEL: +44 (0) 1759 368355
EMAIL: mail@robertefuller.com
3 Responses
Hi, I would just like to say that these paintings of red squirrels are absolutely amazing and have really given me inspiration. my favourite animal is the red squirrel and I often see them running through the trees outside my school as I am up in the north of Scotland. These paintings are really good so I am using the inquisitive squirrel one for my painting analysis task in my art class so thank you very much for making them.
Thank you. I hope your pupils enjoyed the class